Chinese Economy
Surged 8.5% in '03

BEIJING -- China's economy grew at an 8.5% clip last year, its fastest pace in six years, highlighting the country's sharp rebound from last year's SARS epidemic.

State Taxation Administration Commissioner Xie Xuren provided the preliminary estimate in terms of gross domestic product during a news conference to outline tax collections that increased to record levels last year. The GDP results, to be confirmed next Tuesday at a...